Man sentenced for killing girlfriend, dog

VISTA  A 29-year-old parolee was sentenced Thursday to 20 years to life in prison for murder in the bludgeoning death of his former girlfriend in her Oceanside home last year.

Tyree Davon Paschall had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of Crain Conaway, 47. She had been dead at least four days before she was found in her home on Jan. 21, 2012, according to testimony at Paschall’s preliminary hearing in December.

Conaway had been trying to break off her relationship with Paschall, according to testimony.

Prosecutors said they believe Conaway’s Chihuahua-mix tried to come to her aid during the beating, and that Paschall stuffed the dog into a freezer.

The dog had no obvious injuries, but its death was consistent with freezing and suffocation, Deputy District Attorney Aimee McLeod said.

Because of the dog’s death, he also had pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty charge.

Paschall has two strikes on his record, and was on parole for a 2005 conviction for kidnapping and assault causing great bodily injury.

Conway’s friend, Gigi Drummond, spoke at the hearing.

“I don’t understand how someone who meant so much could be taken away,” Drummond said.

After the hearing, Drummond said Conway was “like a sister to me, and an aunt to my children.” She described her as a kind and giving woman, interested in the welfare of others.